Salt

Salt has been prized above gold by both western civilization, as well as Mezoamericans for thousands of years. In fact, the word “salt” is the root of our modern word “salary,” and “sales.” Even today, there is no better way we know of to turn the simplest dishes into an exploration than by serving two or three different exotic salts alongside. In cooking, salt serves to break down fats, and is responsible for the release of a significant portion of the aroma that comes from cooked foods (try this — smell your dish on the stove before adding salt, then add salt and cover for a few minutes, and smell it again). Salt also adds that unique flavor that our bodies crave when added as a finishing. Some salts, such as Fleur de Sel, and Truffle Sea Salt actually lose their unique flavors when cooked, so should only be used as finishing salts.

So here is our challenge — the next time you are serving a simple dish, like beets, a caprese salad, or a broiled steak, place on the table two or three different salts, including at least one that is not white, and watch how it livens up the meal, and the conversation.

Prized by Roman chefs since the early fifth century, a taste of Truffle turns everyday meals into gourmet creations. Wealthy Romans would give a Truffle as a gift to honor the recipient as well as the giver. Sprinkle this finishing Salt on meats, eggs, potatoes, vegetables, pasta, seafood and popcorn to add a hint of earthy, mushroomy flavor. Mix with a swirl of olive oil to create a gourmet bread dipper.

Celery Sea Salt enhances the flavor of our Sea Salt with that of milled Celery Seed. It’s a natural combination that can be added to almost any recipe that calls for salt. Ours has more of a celery taste than most. Add to soups, stews, and stuffing, sprinkle on cottage cheese, or mix with mayonnaise, sour cream and/or yogurt for a simple creamy vegie dip. Celery Sea Salt is also a key ingredient in the ever-popular Bloody Mary drink.

Fiery salt blend of Morita Chipotle and unrefined Himalayan Pink Sea Salt. Morita (meaning “little raisin”) is the sweeter of the Chipotle peppers. Use as a table blend or to season while cooking. Rub on beef, pork or chicken before grilling. Sprinkle on any dish for smoky/salty heat.

Blends the citrus-floral flavor of Coriander with the bitter-lemony flavor of Sumac. Adds bright tones to your cooking. Pairs well with chicken, fish and vegetables. Use as a table blend or to season while cooking.

Curing salt used in food preservation, particularly in pickling meats. Prague Powder, not to be confused with table salt, is colored pink and is one of the most popular curing salts. It’s also known as Insta Cure #1 and Pink Curing Salt #1. Containing sodium nitrite, it should only be used in small quantities.

Since its introduction in the United States in the 1700’s, garlic has grown in popularity to an average consumption of more than 2.5 pounds per person annually. Mixed with Sea Salt and Parsley, this blend is easy to use and flavorful for sprinkling on unsalted, savory dishes.

Sprinkle on vegetables, popcorn, and cold salads just before serving. Use in place of Salt in tomato-based sauces and most any savory dish.

A Gift of Salt…
Throughout history, a gift of salt has represented hospitality, friendship & more. Perhaps it’s because salt, only second to water, has been a signature element necessary for a civilization’s success. In testament to the importance of salt, it has been used as currency (bringing us the word salary), a preservative, a seasoning, in religious ceremonies to represent purification, the closure of a deal & the importance of hospitality to strangers. In cultures all over the world, a gift of salt has held a deep meaning and offered a welcoming to a new home or culture.

In the words of Frank Capra, please accept this gift of salt “so that life may always have flavor.”

Salt blend featuring coastal herb flavors with bright aromatics united with four fiery chiles. Rub on pork, beef, chicken or tofu before grilling or add to veggies in a stir fry. Also great for smoking pork.